Technologies that can remove Carbon Dioxde from the atmosphere

In 2015, many nations signed the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, by 2023, global temperatures had already exceeded that target. To stabilize the climate, we need to remove greenhouse gases from the air. One approach is direct air capture (DAC), a technology that removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. But researchers at MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) found that many climate plans rely too much on DAC without considering its challenges.

DAC has potential, but it faces major hurdles. First, CO2 in the air is very diluted, making removal difficult. Removing one metric ton of CO2 requires processing a huge amount of air. Large-scale DAC systems would need massive equipment, making rapid expansion uncertain.

Second, DAC requires a lot of energy. Most proposed systems need at least 1.2 megawatt-hours of electricity per ton of CO2 removed. If powered by fossil fuels, this could increase emissions instead of reducing them.

Third, DAC plants must be carefully located. They need access to clean energy and proper storage for captured CO2. Infrastructure challenges could slow deployment.

Finally, DAC is expensive. Some estimates suggest costs over $1,500 per ton of CO2 removed. While prices may drop, expecting low costs too soon could lead to unrealistic climate strategies.

Despite these challenges, DAC remains a valuable tool for reducing emissions. Researchers recommend continuing development, but warn against relying on it as the main solution for climate change.